£50,000 appeal launched to save Torquay Living Room that offers 'raft of hope'

A CHURCH in the centre of Torquay has launched a £50,000 appeal so a safe space for vulnerable people can remain open in 2026.

The Living Room at St Mary Mags church opens every Wednesday and Friday to provide free meals, companionship and activities for anyone who would benefit. 

This includes those living on the streets, in temporary accommodation or just isolated. Up to 100 meals are served every day supported by 28 volunteers. 

There is also a shower room, place for laundry and even a drop-in barber.

But the 13-year-old project is running out of money and could close, or be severely curtailed, if extra funding is not found.

The vicar at St Mary Mags, the Rev Sam Leach, said: “We serve a community with high levels of deprivation. The Living Room has a particular ministry among those who are rough sleeping or sofa surfing, instability often rooted in trauma, addiction and poor mental health. Some are destitute, many are on the margins.

“For many years we have been working with health, social services and other town centre charities to support people, sometimes at the lowest point in their lives. These are crises that can befall all of us. We offer a ‘raft of hope’, food and faith.

“It is a place of robust, unshrinking love, but it can be a difficult environment so we have a paid pastor to support the volunteer team and guests. Remarkably, considering the mix of guests we have, we have only had to call the police twice in the seven years I’ve been here.

“We know our work is valued and in the winter, helps save lives, keeping rough-sleepers warm. And we hope the public will support it by giving generously to our £50,000 appeal.

“There are many homelessness charities asking for money at this time of year but this is a local project and all giving will go to the frontline.”

If you would want to support the Living Room, you are invited to either make a one-off gift or to give regularly via standing order:

Account Name:           St Mags Current Account

CAF Bank Account Number: 00030128

Sort Code:           40-52-40

Please earmark your donation as for “The Living Room” 

Further info from Sam leach on:vicar@stmags.org.uk  Phone 01803 211868